Choose Schechter

March 2, 2006

On March 14, voters in Pembroke Pines District 1 must choose a new commissioner from between two very similar candidates. The seat is open because the incumbent, Commissioner Ben Fiorendino, chose not to seek re-election. The only other Pines seat up for grabs in this election was uncontested. Vice Mayor Angelo Castillo drew no opposition in District 4.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board recommends Carl Schechter as Fiorendino's replacement in District 1.

Schechter and his opponent, Ronald Pacella, have comparable backgrounds. Schechter is a past president of the influential Hollybrook Golf & Tennis Club condominium; Pacella is the current president of the association.

Schechter, 78, and Pacella, 74, have experience serving on the city's Planning & Zoning Board. They are both retirees, transplanted Northeasterners. Schechter is a retired attorney from New York City. Pacella is former general contractor from the Boston area, who worked on many municipal infrastructure projects.

Either one of these candidates could serve District 1 well, but Schechter has a broader, more defined set of goals for the commission seat. These include finding "realistic" solutions to traffic congestion, including synchronizing traffic lights. He opposes the Pines Boulevard flyover proposal, and is correct to do so.

Schechter also vows to focus on hurricane preparedness, work with the School Board to enhance the city's charter schools and involve community groups in planning the City Center project.

Schechter has not sought political office before, but he does have some experience on the dais. In 2004, he was appointed to serve on the commission for four months following the death of Mayor-elect Sue Katz.

City officials felt he could do the job then on a limited basis. City voters ought to send him back for a full term.